David Gergen at RWU on Thursday

As someone who has been a high-level aide to both Republican and Democratic presidents, David Gergen should have lively insights on election 2008 and the future of the two major parties.

Mr. Gergen will visit [Roger Williams] University as part of its Civil Discourse lecture series on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 5:30 p.m. to offer his take on the 2008 election and the impact of this race on the American political landscape. The presentation marks Mr. Gergen’s third appearance as part of the series, which is themed this fall on “The American Presidency.” ....

Mr. Gergen has been an active advisor and commentator on American politics for more than 30 years. He held positions on the administrations of Presidents Nixon and Ford and served as director of communications for President Reagan. In 1993, he returned to the White House to serve the Clinton administration, first as counselor to the president and then as special adviser to the president and secretary of state.

Mr. Gergen, director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, is a frequent speaker around the world and contributes to U.S. News & World Report as the publication’s editor-at-large. His first book, “Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership Nixon to Clinton,” became a New York Times bestseller after its 2001 publication.

The presentation will take place at the University’s Recreation Center Gymnasium on the Bristol Campus at One Old Ferry Road. Limited tickets to this free event will be made available to the public—to reserve a ticket, call (401) 254-3067.